While the New England Patriots' preseason opener didn't feature much in terms of what we'd see in the regular season, it did throw plenty of fuel on the backup QB fire as Jimmy Garoppolo shined and Ryan Mallett fell flat.

For the time being, the Patriots' second-round pick is the QB of the Future (until he struggles again), and the latest name to be added to the Tom Brady backup QB tree.

It's a long list of names stretching back over a decade in New England. Here are the notable names that have had Brady's back (save for 2008) since he assumed the starting job in 2001.

Throughout his time in New England, Brady has consistently welcomed the cast of characters that have joined him at the QB spot on the roster. During his appearance on WEEI's "Dennis & Callahan Morning Show" on Monday, Brady discussed the many players he's worked with over the years.

"I got a great connection with all those guys. I was actually texting with Kliff Kingsbury yesterday," Brady said. "He's now the head coach at Texas Tech. Someone sent me a picture of us as the '03 Super Bowl together. I saw Damon Huard when I was in Seattle a few years ago. I talk to Drew from time to time. All of those guys, we try to stay in touch. I saw Jim Miller, I saw [Doug] Flutie. There have really been some great guys, some great mentors that I've learned from. Everyone has really brought something unique to our team that I've tried to learn and take from, so it's been a great experience. And those are the guys you typically are closest with because you spend so much time with them over the course of the year and you really learn what their personalities are, you learn the work ethic and you build some pretty close relationship with those guys. So, I've been lucky to have some great ones along the way."

While the focus remains on Garoppolo for the time being, Brady made a point to praise Mallett, who is entering his fourth NFL season, making him one of the longest-tenured backups during Brady's tenure. Other than Bledsoe, the franchise QB in New England before Brady's ascension, the quarterback with the longest run in the Brady era is Matt Cassell. Cassell was briefly given the franchise tag after his fourth season, but was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs shortly thereafter.

Mallett now finds himself in a similar position with the clock ticking on the final year of his contract. While a disappointing performance in the preseason opener has cooled trade rumors surrounding the Patriots backup, Mallett still has his supporters, particularly in Brady.

“Ryan just needs an opportunity. He hasn’t had a chance over the last few years to get in there and show what he can do," Brady said on WEEI. I’ve always loved working with Ryan and he’s got a great ability to be able to step in there and do the job and I think everybody’s got a lot of confidence that he can do it, he just hasn’t had the chance. You can’t judge anybody based on one half of the first preseason game. I think you have to look at the total body of work and that’s how coaches have always evaluated it.”

One way or another, Mallett's time in New England is likely done. The former third-round pick will be looking for an opportunity to start, while many in the Patriots organization would love to see him get one. Meanwhile, Garroppolo's branch on the New England quarterback tree remains a mystery, though the first glimpse has given fans a lot of hope.